2026 Exhibitors

Agricentre South

Agricentre South is a team built on real farming experience, modern technology, and a commitment to keeping Southland and Otago moving. We’ve grown into a leading machinery business with branches in Invercargill, Gore, Milton, and Cromwell.  

We work with some of the toughest and most advanced brands in the industry — Case IH, New Holland, Kuhn, and Yamaha — and we rely on skilled people to keep that machinery performing at its best. Our workshops, mobile service teams, and parts departments all play a crucial role in supporting local farms and rural communities.  

Whether you’re interested in tools, tech, or teamwork, there’s room to grow, learn, and build a long-term career with us. We’re proud to support apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and development opportunities for the next generation of rural talent. Join a team that keeps machinery working, farms productive, and communities strong. 

https://www.agricentre.co.nz/ 

Alliance Group

**Explore a Career with Alliance Group**  

At Alliance Group, we offer far more than just jobs, we provide a diverse range of career opportunities across one of New Zealand’s leading food and agribusiness companies. From processing, production, engineering, maintenance, and quality assurance through to health and safety, logistics, supply chain, information technology, finance, human resources, sales, and leadership roles, there are pathways to suit a wide variety of skills, experience, and career aspirations.  With operations spanning multiple sites across New Zealand, our people play an important role in delivering premium grass-fed beef, lamb, and venison to customers around the world. 

Whether you are starting your career, looking to develop specialist expertise, or seeking leadership opportunities, Alliance offers ongoing training, development, and the chance to grow within a supportive team environment.  

Join a business that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement while helping create prosperity for farming families, communities, and New Zealand’s food industry.

Aquaculture New Zealand

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food industries globally, and here in Aotearoa New Zealand, we’re proud to be leading the way—sustainably farming world-class seafood like Greenshell™ mussels, King salmon, and Pacific oysters. If you're passionate about the environment and want to play a vital role in feeding the world sustainably, aquaculture offers a diverse and wide range of opportunities.

Careers span every stage of the process—from hatcheries and farming to science, innovation, processing, logistics, marketing, and more. Whether you enjoy working outdoors, embracing the latest technology, or innovating for the future - all within supportive, collaborative teams - there’s a pathway for everyone.

Aquaculture is a global industry with a local heartbeat—offering rewarding, future-focused careers both on water and on land. Come and explore how you can join our team and build a career you can be proud of.  We’d love to have you onboard!

BCITO – Building Skills. Building Futures.

BCITO – Building Skills. Building Futures. Keen on construction? At BCITO, we are here to help you turn your passion for building into a rewarding career. As the leading provider of construction apprenticeships in New Zealand, we work alongside industry to support learners and employers every step of the way. Whether you are a student, teacher, or caregiver, we are here to help you explore hands-on career pathways in the trades.  

Come and chat with us at CareerFest or visit www.bcito.org.nz to find out more. 📧 info@bcito.org.nz | 📞 0800 422 486

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) represent over 140,000 financial professionals who help businesses, organisations, and communities succeed. Behind every brand you love and every organisation, big or small, there’s a financial expert, an Accountant. Choosing this career in accounting can provide job security and skills that can take you anywhere. Chartered Accountants are trusted for their integrity, problem-solving ability, and adaptability in a fast-changing world. Our CA Program is your pathway to becoming a Chartered Accountant, combining practical experience with world-class education. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about shaping decisions and making an impact. CA ANZ connects you to a global network of over 1.8 million professionals, plus alliances with leading organisations like ACCA. 

Wherever you want to go, these skills will take you there. Ready to start your journey? Check out our Make Epic Things Happen website, here. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) represent over 140,000 financial professionals who help businesses, organisations, and communities succeed. Behind every brand you love and every organisation, big or small, there’s a financial expert, an Accountant. Choosing this career in accounting can provide job security and skills that can take you anywhere. 

Chartered Accountants are trusted for their integrity, problem-solving ability, and adaptability in a fast-changing world. Our CA Program is your pathway to becoming a Chartered Accountant, combining practical experience with world-class education. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about shaping decisions and making an impact. CA ANZ connects you to a global network of over 1.8 million professionals, plus alliances with leading organisations like ACCA. Wherever you want to go, these skills will take you there. Ready to start your journey? Check out our Make Epic Things Happen website, here https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/become-a-member/memberships/student-affiliates/make-epic-things-happen.

Connexis

https://connexis.org.nz/

Connexis is committed to empowering New Zealand’s infrastructure workforce through high‑quality work‑based learning across the Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water industries – industries that keep New Zealand communities connected and shape our collective wellbeing, our environment, and drive our economy.    

Connexis is dedicated to increasing the capability and capacity of our local infrastructure workforce through upskilling the people who keep these industries thriving. Connexis develop and deliver infrastructure training programmes toward national apprenticeship and trainee qualifications that sit on the New Zealand Qualification and Competency Framework. 

Working with infrastructure employers to support the upskilling of their workforce and support learners to be successful through their training journey. Connexis provides pathways into employment and training as well as pathways for continued career development across the infrastructure industries through industry training.  

Discover Forestry

Discover Forestry Step into the world of sustainable forests and the people who care for them. Discover Forestry brings the science, innovation, and real-world impact of modern forestry to life—showing how trees are grown, managed, and harvested responsibly for future generations. 

Participants get the chance to explore the full journey from seedling to timber, while also discovering the wide range of career pathways the forestry sector offers—from environmental science and harvesting to engineering, technology, logistics, and more. 

Whether you're curious about the outdoors, ecology, or future job opportunities, Discover Forestry opens the door to one of the world’s most essential industries. 

https://www.discoverforestry.co.nz/ 

EarnLearn

EarnLearn supports apprentices & employers build capability on the job, with clear expectations, regular check-ins, and practical guidance from people who understand the trades.

Electoral Commission

Electoral Commission  runs New Zealand's parliamentary elections.  We provide and effective and impartial electoral system that New Zealanders understand and trust.
https://vote.nz/

Findex

Findex aims to offer resources and solutions to our clients many business needs – we’re much more than accounts and tax returns! A career at Findex will give you hands-on, practical experience by working with a range of dynamic, unique clients across a variety of industries, from individuals to small family businesses to multinationals. 

We offer a great team based environment with benefits that include flexible working and study.   Check out the link below for more specific information on Graduates at Findex  

https://www.findex.co.nz/graduate-careers

Florence Nightingale Agency

Looking for flexible work that makes a real difference in your community? Florence Nightingale Agency is seeking caring and reliable caregivers to support people throughout Southland/Murihiku to live independently and with dignity in their own homes.  

With a local office based in Invercargill and support from our wider network across Te Waipounamu South Island, you'll be backed by a team that understands the needs of the community and is there to help you succeed.   We employ caregivers on a casual basis, giving you the flexibility to choose the hours and shifts that fit around your lifestyle, family and commitments.  

Whether you're experienced in care or looking to start a rewarding career supporting others, we'd love to hear from you. Join a trusted organisation that values compassionate, person-centred care and make a positive impact in the lives of people across Southland. 

www.florence2care.co.nz 0800 348 7600

Fonterra

Fonterra Careers – Te Mātāpuna toa takitini

Our strength is in the collective.

At Fonterra, we believe in the power of people coming together to make a meaningful difference. As a Co-operative built by generations of New Zealand farmers, we’re proud of our legacy — and even more excited about what lies ahead.

When you join Fonterra, you’re stepping into more than just a job. You become part of a purpose-driven team, with the opportunity to grow your skills, shape your career, and explore pathways across every corner of the business — all while helping unlock the potential of dairy for generations to come.

At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we’re committed to nurturing talent and unlocking potential. Whether you’re deepening your expertise, broadening your horizons, or ready for a new challenge, we’re here to support your journey.

We’ll help you bring your best and be at your best — because your growth is our growth. If you're ready to imagine tomorrow, you're in the right place.

Whāia tō ara whakamua i konei | Where to next?
Āta whakaarohia tō āpōpō — Imagine tomorrow, here at Fonterra.

Front-Line Training Consultancy

With 30 years of experience, Front-Line offers an alternative and engaging pathway for students to achieve NCEA Levels 1–3 through industry-specific unit standards. Our programmes are hands-on and tailored to real-world skills in Retail, Hospitality, Tourism, and Business, providing meaningful opportunities for students to succeed outside of the traditional classroom. We also offer dedicated support in Literacy and Numeracy, helping learners build confidence and essential life skills. These courses are designed with employability in mind—equipping students with practical, workplace-relevant knowledge and experience that prepares them to step directly into industry roles after graduation.

In addition, we provide accredited, professional short training for those aged 16+ in high-demand industry skills such as Barista, Food Safety, and the prerequisite for a Bar Manager's Licence. These short courses are focused on boosting job and career prospects, giving learners the qualifications and confidence to thrive in the workforce.

H W Richardson Group

HW Richardson Group Limited (HWR) is a family-owned business originating and headquartered in Southland, New Zealand. The company has a diverse portfolio, including interests in logistics, energy, construction, and property, operating within New Zealand and Australia. HWR is known for its commitment to investing in community, sustainability and long term growth. The Company has over 2,000 employees across New Zealand and Australia.

Lincoln University

Lincoln University is New Zealand’s only specialist land-based university. This is the place to be if you’re thinking about a career in anything to do with our land, from agriculture and environment to business, property management and tourism. Based just outside of Christchurch, LU has seven campus farms and close industrial connections, which means you can gain experience in real working environments while you study.

McIntyre Dick

Kick-start Your Career in Accounting & Business!

Thinking about your next step after school? Skip the student debt and start earning straight away! Our earn-while-you-learn programme lets you dive into the real world of accounting and business advisory while studying towards your qualifications.

Whether you're a school leaver keen to get stuck in or a recent graduate ready to apply your knowledge, we'll give you hands-on experience with real clients and projects. You'll be learning from experienced professionals who actually want to see you succeed – not just sitting in lectures wondering when you'll use this stuff.

We're not your typical stuffy accounting firm. We work with exciting businesses across all industries, from tech startups to established Kiwi companies. Come have a chat with our team and see how you can turn your interest in numbers into a proper career that pays the bills while you're still learning!

Visit our stall today – your future self will thank you!

Ministry of Education

Teaching is a challenging and rewarding career where you can use your interests and strengths to help others learn, grow and succeed. Teachers play an important role in shaping the future by supporting young people to build confidence, skills and knowledge that will stay with them for life. 

Every day is different, and teaching offers the chance to be creative, work with people and make a real impact in your community.  If you are still at school and starting to think about what you might do after you leave, teaching could be an exciting option to explore. There are different pathways into teaching, whether you want to work with younger children or older students, and support is available along the way.  

Come and visit the Become a Teacher stall to find out what teaching involves, explore your study options and ask questions about where a career in teaching could take you. 

MITO

MITO supports thousands of learners to build the knowledge and skills they need to grow their careers through on-the-job training and apprenticeships. We work across the automotive, commercial road transport, extractives, drilling, gas, and logistics industries. 

We can visit your school to introduce students to these industries and the pathways available. This includes information on MITO’s secondary school micro-credentials, where students can spend one day a week in a workplace while earning NCEA credits. These programmes are easy to enrol in and designed for Years 11–13. MITO also offers automotive industry bus tours, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at real workplaces—an excellent opportunity to spark interest and build industry connections. 

What we offer: 

• NZQA-approved micro-credentials that recognise achievement in specific industry skills 
• NCEA credits through a blend of practical, workplace, and eLearning 
• Exposure to key industries, including automotive, road transport, and mining and quarrying 
• Clear pathways into further training, with some credits contributing towards qualifications—giving learners a head start and helping them stand out to employers

Find out more at mito.nz/schools

New Zealand Police

New Zealand Police Recruitment Join a career where you make a real difference every day. New Zealand Police offers a wide range of opportunities for people motivated to serve their communities, develop leadership skills, and build a rewarding future. 

Whether you’re interested in frontline policing, specialist roles, or support positions, we provide world-class training, ongoing development, and a strong team environment. Our recruitment team is here to guide you through every step—from understanding entry requirements to preparing for training at the Royal New Zealand Police College. 

Learn more about pathways, eligibility, and the application process: 

🌐 https://www.newcops.govt.nz 

Get in touch: 📧 newcops@police.govt.nz 📞 0800 NEWCOPS (0800 639 267) Start your journey toward a meaningful and challenging career with New Zealand Police.

NZ College of Chiropractic

Are you looking for a rewarding, hands-on career in health?  

Chiropractic is a natural approach to health and wellbeing through focusing on care of the spine and nervous system. 

Chiropractors work with people of all ages, and stages, to help them reach their health goals by supporting their body’s ability to adapt to the impact of daily stressors and move towards functioning at their best.  

Find out how you could make a positive impact in the lives of others through a hands-on and natural approach to health and wellbeing.

NZAS

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters has been part of the Southland community for over 50 years. As we look to the future, we are excited about the career opportunities available in a variety of areas including operational, leadership, technical, environmental, automation, health and safety, and many other areas.

NZDF - Defence Recruiting

Be inspired by a career in the New Zealand Defence Force. With over 100 exciting roles to choose from there's something for everyone, from combat to IT, navigation, trades and medical. Our team will run you through the awesome opportunities that are waiting for you, so don’t miss out!

Open Polytechnic

Are you interested in becoming a qualified early childhood teacher?

Open Polytechnic is the nation’s leading distance and online learning provider, offering flexible early childhood education programmes that let you fit study around work and life.

You’ll be supported by Regional Academic Staff Members who provide practical advice, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.

Our programmes include practicum components that give you real-world experience alongside your study. This helps ensure you graduate work-ready, confident, and able to contribute to the culture and daily life of an early learning service.

Ready to take the next step towards becoming a qualified teacher?

Visit our booth to find out more about our ECE qualifications, or head to our website for full programme information.

Otago Polytechnic

Otago Polytechnic is a proud leader in high-quality, career-focused learning, and our students are at the heart of everything we do. We consistently rank highly in student achievement and satisfaction results. Employers love our graduates because they are work-ready, capable and confident. 

At OP, you’ll gain the skills, confidence and knowledge you need to succeed. We have a strong focus on hands-on, personalised learning experiences, with exceptional student support to ensure you can thrive academically and personally. Our teachers are innovative experts in their fields, with 29 national tertiary teaching excellence awards between them. 

Many have worked in industry and have extensive experience, skill sets and connections to share.   Our campuses in Dunedin and Central Otago, and our international campus in Auckland, provide a vibrant, inclusive, friendly and safe environment, with top facilities and small class sizes. 

www.op.ac.nz Phone 0800762786

Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS)

PIHMS is the leading institution in Business Management within the Hotel and Hospitality Industry. We are creating leaders of tomorrow. 

Queenstown Resort College

Queenstown Resort College (QRC) is a specialist tertiary provider offering practical, industry-focused education in Hospitality Management, Adventure Tourism Management, and our new Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, delivered in partnership with the University of Otago Business School. 

Based in Queenstown, New Zealand’s tourism capital, QRC allows students to study where the industry lives and works.  Our programmes are designed to be hands-on and career-ready, combining applied learning with real-world experience, industry projects, and internships. 

The Bachelor of Entrepreneurship is ideal for students who want to start their own business, innovate within existing organisations, or build the skills to lead in a fast-changing global economy, while benefiting from the academic strength of Otago Business School.  With small class sizes, supportive tutors, and strong industry connections, QRC is known for its personalised approach and strong graduate outcomes. Students from New Zealand and around the world join our close-knit community and graduate ready for dynamic, global careers.

Shand Thomson

Earn while you learn – build your future in accounting  We are a Balclutha based accounting firm working alongside farmers, businesses and local families on a day to day basis.   Accounting today is more than numbers – it’s problem solving, technology, and real conversations that make a difference. 

We offer a unique Earn While You Learn pathway, where you can work full time, study part time, and achieve a university or CA qualification without a student loan. We cover your course fees, provide paid study leave, and support you every step of the way.  You will gain real-world experience, working with mentors on interesting agri-business and business challenges using modern tools and technology. 

Every day is different, and every skill you learn is valuable anywhere in the world.  If you are motivated, curious, and enjoy working with people, an accounting career could take you further than you think. 

See https://www.shandthomson.co.nz/recruitment for our careers information.

Skills - Etco / ICE

At Etco and ICE, we provide top-notch training for aspiring tradespeople. As experts in electrical training (Etco) and plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying training (ICE), we offer comprehensive programmes to equip you with the skills needed for a successful career.

Our programmes include:

•    Level 3 Pre-trade Courses: Start your journey with our foundational course.

•    Level 4 Vocational Training: Advance your skills and gain hands-on experience.

We pride ourselves on exceptional training and pastoral care, ensuring you receive support every step of the way. Join us and become part of a community run by and for the trades.

We're looking forward to seeing to you at CareerFest! In the meantime, if you require any further information, you can contact me at:

Email: bronwyn.rees@scgnz.org.nz
Phone: 0272933394

Skills Trades & Institute

Skills Institute and Skills Trades offer hands‑on, career‑focused training designed to get students job‑ready. Based at our Dunedin campus, we deliver a mix of practical and theory‑based learning across a wide range of programmes. Study in high‑demand fields including electrical and plumbing trades, healthcare, nail technology, hairdressing, and pre‑police and Defence preparation. 

With industry‑relevant training and supportive tutors, our programmes are built to help students gain real skills, confidence, and pathways into employment or further study.  

skillstrades.co.nz; skillsinstitute.co.nz; vanessa.clark@skillsinstitute.co.nz; 0272011554

South Port NZ Ltd

South Port NZ Ltd is New Zealand’s southernmost commercial deepwater port, based in Bluff and serving the region since 1877. We operate 24/7, handling containers, storage and warehousing, bulk cargo, and marine services, that support exporters and importers across Southland. If you’re finishing school and thinking about your future, South Port offers a range of hands on career opportunities in a fast paced, practical environment. 

While the port industry has traditionally been male dominated, we strongly encourage women to explore careers with us. Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our team receives thorough training and follows strict standards to ensure everyone works safely and goes home at the end of each day.

Southern Group Training Trust

With the continued integration of A.I into workplaces, there has never been a better time to get into a trade qualification, and get paid while you learn. 

Come talk to us at Southern Group Training - The apprenticeship people.  www.apprenticeships.net

Southern Institute of Technology

Southern Institute of Techology (SIT), where quality education meets affordability. Our renowned Zero Fees Scheme makes us one of New Zealand’s most sought-after institutions, enabling you to gain a world-class qualification without the burden of tuition fees*. 

With a comprehensive range of industry-focused programmes—from certificates to degrees and postgraduate studies—SIT is dedicated to helping you achieve your career goals.

Southern Wings Ltd

Southern Wings is an Air New Zealand preferred flight training organization providing the NZ Diploma in Aviation with  bases in Invercargill and Auckland.     

Studylink

Studylink provides financial support to students and connects them with the information they need to make informed study decisions. 

You can get all information bycontactingus on 0800889900 or from our websit on www.studylink.govt.nz

Survey and Spatial NZ - Southland Branch

Looking for a career that’s not stuck behind a desk all day? Surveying could be exactly what you’re after. 

Surveyors work both outdoors and the office, using technology like drones, GPS, and 3D modelling to map land, design projects, and help build everything from roads to new housing subdivisions. One day you might be out in the countryside, the next you’re using software to bring it all together. It’s a career with great opportunities, and lots of variety, with different study pathways available. 

Come chat with us to find out what surveyors do, how to get started, and where it could take you

Tertiary Education Commission

We invest over $3.8 billion annually to support New Zealand’s tertiary education and careers system, funding over 700 organisations to deliver thousands of courses to hundreds of thousands of learners. Our goal is to equip people with the skills and knowledge they need for lifelong success. 

Through initiatives like Inspiring the Future and Tahatū Career Navigator, we connect students with real-life role models and guide them from inspiration to action - empowering informed, confident career choices.

https://tahatu.govt.nz  

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners

We train doctors to become specialists in general practice and rural hospital medicine. 

We champion the highest standards of safe and equitable patient care by supporting and being the voice of our 6,000 members throughout their careers.

The Y Southland

Get qualified, for free at Y Southland, we guide young tāngata to reach positive outcomes through unique educational opportunities. 

Here you’ll find a supportive environment where your tutors will have your back. It’s a place where you can learn in a way that makes sense to you, pursue what excites you, and gain the qualifications that open doors to meaningful careers, for free. We offer a range of free tertiary programmes for young persons (aged 15 – 24 years) to support your future pathway and prepare you for further study or employment, including: NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills Level 1 Te Hiringa o te Wai NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills Level 2 Kia rita mo te mahi Y Goals (Literacy and Numeracy) 

For information and enquiries, please visit our webpage at Y Education | NCEA Level 1 & 2 Courses, Free Tertiary Education NZ https://ymcaeducation.ac.nz/ or get in touch directly by email to Education Manager catherine.skerrett@ysouthland.org.nz 

University of Canterbury

At the University of Canterbury, there are heaps of study paths, support services, and opportunities to get real-world experience while you learn. 

Whether you already know what you want to do or you’re still figuring it out, that’s completely fine.  Come have a chat with me at CareerFest—I'm happy to answer questions about study, student life, or anything university-related.  

Check out more about UC here: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz

University of Otago

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – A place of many firsts.

Built on bold thinking, boundary-breaking research, and some of the best teaching in the country, the University of Otago has been at the forefront of change for over 150 years. 

We’re New Zealand’s first university and the first choice for over 21,000 students. As the only true residential campus in Aotearoa, our student community is unparalleled – it’s no surprise people travel far and wide for the Otago experience. 

www.otago.ac.nz/future-students

Yoobee Colleges & NZ School of Tourism

Kickstart your future with two exciting New Zealand education providers! Yoobee College of Creative Innovation offers hands-on programmes in animation, design, film, marketing and technology, with qualifications from certificates and diplomas through to bachelor degrees — helping students build real skills for creative and tech careers. 

At the New Zealand School of Tourism, students gain practical industry knowledge in travel, tourism, flight attending and hospitality management. 

Courses include certificates and diplomas with mentorship and real-world internships, setting you up for dynamic roles both in NZ and worldwide.